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| How Many Countries Are in Africa |
How many countries are in Africa? Discover the accurate 2026 answer, full country list, regional breakdowns, and common misconceptions explained clearly.
Africa is one of the most fascinating and diverse continents on Earth, rich in history, cultures, languages, and political systems. A question many students, travelers, researchers, and curious readers ask is how many countries are in Africa—and the answer depends on internationally recognized definitions. This guide provides a clear, up-to-date, and authoritative explanation, backed by global institutions, while also exploring why the number matters and how Africa’s countries are classified today.
How Many Countries Are in Africa?
Africa has 54 internationally recognized sovereign countries.
This figure is accepted by:
- The United Nations (UN)
- The African Union (AU)
- Major global references such as Encyclopaedia Britannica
These 54 countries are fully independent states with recognized governments and defined borders.
Why This Question Matters
At first glance, “how many countries are in Africa” seems simple. But confusion often arises due to:
- Disputed territories
- Partially recognized states
- Overseas territories connected to Europe
Understanding the correct number is essential for:
- Academic research and exams
- Geography and political science studies
- International business and diplomacy
- Travel planning and global awareness
Africa at a Glance: Key Facts
Before diving deeper, here are some quick continental facts:
- Continent: Africa
- Total land area: ~30.37 million km²
- Population (2026 est.): Over 1.4 billion people
- Recognized sovereign countries: 54
- Largest country by area: Algeria
- Most populous country: Nigeria
The Official Count Explained
What Makes a “Country” in Africa?
A country is considered sovereign if it:
- Has a permanent population
- Controls a defined territory
- Has a functioning government
- Is recognized by other sovereign states
The United Nations uses these criteria, which is why its membership list is the global benchmark.
List of the 54 Countries in Africa
Below is the full, up-to-date list of Africa’s 54 recognized countries:
Northern Africa
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Libya
- Morocco
- Sudan
- Tunisia
West Africa
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cape Verde
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Liberia
- Mali
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
Central Africa
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gabon
- São Tomé and Príncipe
East Africa
- Burundi
- Comoros
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Rwanda
- Seychelles
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Southern Africa
- Angola
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Lesotho
- Namibia
- South Africa
Common Source of Confusion: Is It 54 or 55?
This is where most debates start.
What About Western Sahara?
- Western Sahara is a disputed territory.
- It is claimed by Morocco but also by the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.
- It is not a UN member state.
Because of this, Western Sahara is not counted, keeping the official number at 54 countries in Africa.
Are There Any New Countries in Africa?
South Sudan: The Most Recent Addition
- South Sudan became independent in 2011.
- It is Africa’s newest country.
- Since then, no new African countries have gained UN recognition.
As of 2026, the number remains stable at 54.
Africa and the United Nations
Out of the UN’s 193 member states:
- 54 are African countries
- Africa represents about 28% of all UN members
This makes Africa the second-largest continent by number of countries, after Europe.
You can verify this through official UN membership records and African Union documentation, both considered top-tier authoritative sources.
Why Africa Has So Many Countries
Africa’s high number of countries is tied to history:
Colonial Borders
European colonial powers divided Africa into territories with little regard for ethnic or cultural boundaries. When independence movements succeeded in the mid-20th century, many of these borders became national boundaries.
Decolonization Era
Between the 1950s and 1970s, dozens of African nations gained independence, dramatically increasing the continent’s country count.
Africa vs Other Continents (Comparison)
To put things in perspective:
- Africa: 54 countries
- Europe: ~44 countries
- Asia: ~49 countries
- South America: 12 countries
- North America: 23 countries
- Oceania: 14 countries
Africa ranks among the highest globally in number of sovereign states.
Practical Uses of Knowing How Many Countries Are in Africa
Understanding how many countries are in Africa is useful for:
- Students: Geography, WAEC, NECO, IELTS, TOEFL exams
- Content creators & bloggers: Accurate educational content
- Businesses: Market entry and regional analysis
- Travelers: Visa planning and regional logistics
- Researchers: Political and demographic studies
If you’re a student or educator, bookmark this guide or share it with classmates to avoid outdated or incorrect answers about Africa’s country count.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Africa a country?
No. Africa is a continent, not a country. It contains 54 countries.
Is Nigeria the largest country in Africa?
No. Nigeria is the most populous, but Algeria is the largest by land area.
Could Africa gain more countries in the future?
It’s possible but unlikely in the short term. Any new country would require international recognition and UN admission.
Final Answer Recap
So, how many countries are in Africa?
Africa has 54 internationally recognized sovereign countries as of 2026.
This number is backed by the United Nations, African Union, and global academic institutions.
Final
Want to learn more about African geography, history, or global rankings? Explore related educational guides on this site and deepen your understanding of the continent beyond just numbers.
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